As we came together in an Austin courtroom, I was overwhelmed with the literal picture of love that God was allowing me to be a part of. I didn't know adoption until three years ago. It wasn't something I even cared to be familiar with. I never understood the story of my salvation as it related to adoption before. I didn't recognize that I was grafted in and chosen by Christ as an orphan is chosen by adoptive parents until I knew orphans...until I saw adoption. That day the cold, sterile smell of the county courtroom was absolutely overwhelmed by the warmth in the eyes of this adoptive family.
I wish I could tell you all the details about Ada's adoption story. It's powerful to say the least, but I'll leave it at this: This little girl is one of a sibling group that walked through hell and back before reaching their forever homes. This one-year-old may know better today than I ever will what protection, redemption, grace, and provision from the Lord looks and feels like this side of heaven.
So to say that I feel blessed to do what I do/did here would be a tremendous understatement. As tears streamed down my cheeks, I was given a front row seat in God's story for a little girl whose stair could melt a glacier.
Here's Ada...
Big brother was a hit. This kiddo was STOKED to be officially gaining a baby sister.
Ada's biological siblings watched closely a very familiar ceremony - as their adoption was final only months earlier.
This judge was incredible. The way she greeted, loved and encouraged this family was impeccable.
Family, friends and public servants close to the siblings' story were as excited as anyone to see this adoption finalized.
I love that this is the Lord's picture of family. He brought these two families together uniquely and perfectly...as He knew best.
My friend and the family's case manager...
Christmas photos of Ada taken a couple weeks ago at the Foster Care Christmas Party.
Thank you, Jesus, for your faithfulness to show me who you are.
6 comments:
Dang. Totally held myself together for this post until I got to the judge. Then my eyes lost the battle. Love every person involved in this story.
Amazing. What a great story of God's love.
This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. :)
SO beautiful, Jess!! What a blessing your photography is to this family!
So beautiful. What an incredible journey for everyone involved!
remember when i told you there is no need for words on your blog, the pictures tell such an incredible story?!? i'll say it again. these pictures are priceless and i know her story is too.
the pictures from my sister's final adoption were just taken with an old family camera but they are still some of my favorite in our albums. what a beautiful gift you have given this family to capture this moment with your artwork of photography!
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